PIE Sound Navigation System

The team of the NGO “Practice of Innovative Experience” visited Lviv and handed over two PIE sound beacons for use.

Now they are installed: - above the gate leading to the courtyard from the street, - and directly above the entrance to the organization’s premises.

These devices will help people with visual impairments easily navigate and easily find the right entrance.

The visit to the Lviv UTOS became special for us: the NGO team got into the culinary competition “Galician Blind Housewife”, where we tasted incredible dishes and even brought home an unusual recipe.

Getting to know the head of the organization Lyubov Kukuruza and her team gave us sincere joy and inspiration. The activity, energy, and life stories of each participant inspire us to work even harder to create a barrier-free space in Ukraine.

Especially when you need to find your compartment in a corridor where all doors feel the same.

Of course, in some new train cars, compartment numbers are now indicated in Braille. But, unfortunately, this is not yet a widespread phenomenon. Moreover, those who are not blind from birth, in most cases, do not know Braille, in my experience. I, for one, belong to such people.

But since I got my own PIE beacon, everything has changed. I simply attach it to the compartment door before boarding, and when I walk through the car or return to the train after getting off at a stop — I activate the beacon through the application. The sound signal clearly indicates where my entrance is.

It's like a small but very important freedom. No need to call the conductor or ask passengers — I find my own space on the train myself.

PIE is truly a technology that works for us, and I am sincerely grateful to the developers for this solution.

Kostiantyn, digital literacy instructor, Lviv

As a visually impaired instructor, it is very important for me to navigate independently, especially when conducting classes in a new location. When I came to Lviv in February to conduct a training for veterans at the Warrior's House, I was pleasantly surprised — a PIE sound beacon was installed at the entrance. It's really convenient: I opened the application, pressed it — and a clear sound signal helped me quickly find the entrance. Without unnecessary calls or help.

I'm glad to see that such things are already appearing in Ukraine that make the lives of visually impaired people simpler and more independent.
I'm glad that similar technologies are appearing in Ukraine and are already really working. It's not just convenient — it's about respect and accessibility.
I can't wait until such devices work in all cities and all important places!

Kostiantyn, digital literacy instructor, Lviv

In January 2025, sound beacons "PIE" were installed at the entrances to key institutions in Rivne, which are visited by people with visual impairments. Rivne became the second city in Ukraine where such solutions have been implemented to improve orientation in urban space.
The beacons were installed as part of the project "Rehabilitation of veterans with full or partial vision loss", which is implemented by the public organization "Practice of Innovative Experience" with the support of the Democracy Promotion Fund of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine.

Devices are placed at the entrances to five institutions:

• Rivne Regional Universal Scientific Library named after Lebedynets (O. Borysenka St., 6)
• Rivne Regional Center "Invasport" (Poshtova St., 5)
• Administrative Services Center (Prosvita Square, 2)
• Department of Social Policy of Rivne City Council (Soborna St., 12)
• Business Coworking (open space) (Poshtova St., 2)

This initiative is part of the organization's broader work on creating an accessible environment for veterans and all people with visual impairments in Ukraine.
We thank our partners and the Rivne city authorities for supporting the project's implementation!

Since November 2024, sound beacons have been operating at the "Warrior's House" in Lviv, improving the accessibility of the building for students of digital skills courses and all visually impaired visitors. Address: Tarasa Khammera Bobanycha St., 1A.

On February 21, an official presentation of this initiative took place in Lviv, during which the "PIE" organization was presented, the operation of the device and application was demonstrated, diplomas were awarded to graduates of digital literacy courses, and an open dialogue with attendees took place.

PIE sound beacons help visually impaired people navigate in space, safely find the necessary buildings and their entrances using sound signals that are activated via a mobile application.

We thank all partners for their support. We are confident that this initiative will become an example for other cities in Ukraine in creating a comfortable environment for everyone.